Kolkata, 4 Sep: One of only two Indian coaches in the upcoming Indian Super League, Jamshedpur FC’s Khaleed Jamil has called for more Indian head coach appointments, stating that increased opportunities will help them grow and improve.
In a league dominated by Spanish coaches and players, the 47-year-old Khaleed Jamil is one of only two Indian head coaches in the ISL, alongside Thangboi Singto of Hyderabad FC.
“Kuchh feeling nahin hai, aap nazar mat lagao (I’ve not thought about it, you please don’t jinx it),” he said on being one of the two Indian coaches in the ISL.
“I don’t think like that, we have some good foreign coaches also. It’s about doing your best and taking the responsibility.”
“Indian coaches must get chance. They will improve if they get opportunities. The more, the better,” he added.
The youngest coach to acquire an AFC ‘Pro’ License, Jamil scripted history when he guided Aizawl FC to become the the first team from the Northeast to clinch the I-League title in 2016-17.
The former NorthEast United FC head coach joined Jamshedpur FC midway through the 2023-24 season, on a deal running till the end of the campaign.
Khalid made an immediate impact, steering the team to the semi-finals of the Kalinga Super Cup and got the team playing back to their best in the ISL 2023-24 before missing the playoff spot in the business end.
Although Jamshedpur FC finished 11th in the standings, they were in contention for a playoff spot during the business end of the season and put up some incredible results in the league, including a win over ISL Cup winners Mumbai City FC. (PTI)